Rhiannon Hendricks
The process of choosing a wedding dress can be tricky, as there are many styles, silhouettes, price points, designers, and fabrics to consider. While there are no rules for nontraditional wedding dresses, it is important to consider the season and location of your wedding, as well as your personal style and comfort. For example, heavy satin gowns may be uncomfortable for summer weddings, and airy silk dresses may not be warm enough for winter ceremonies. Additionally, certain fabrics may irritate sensitive skin, and sheer or airy fabrics may not provide enough insulation for destinations with cold weather. Mixing and matching fabrics can add depth, texture, and personality to your bridal ensemble, but it is crucial to achieve balance by contrasting textures and weights. For instance, pairing a structured satin bodice with a flowing chiffon skirt can enhance your figure and create a striking silhouette.
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What You'll Learn
Seasonality
For spring and summer weddings, lightweight and breathable fabrics are ideal. Georgette, a sheer fabric spun from polyester or silk, is a perfect choice for its soft silhouette and ability to create a feminine look that moves with the body. Lace is also a popular fabric for warmer months, offering diversity in pattern, texture, weight, and embellishments. Detachable skirts are also an option for brides who want to transition from ceremony to reception with a lighter, more danceable dress.
In contrast, heavier fabrics are more suitable for autumn and winter weddings. Silk satin, a traditional choice, has a weight that works for all seasons, with thicker types like Duchess being optimal for cooler months. Mikado, a heavier type of silk with a shiny finish, is another fabric that can be worn year-round but may be better suited for winter due to its weight. Moire, made from polyester or heavy silk taffeta, is also recommended for winter because of its heavy fabric. Gazar, made from wool or silk, has a crisp and smooth look and is suitable for structured designs and full-skirted styles that can be worn any time of year.
While sleeves were once closely linked to the season, they have become a year-round option, depending on the desired look and level of coverage. Long-sleeve wedding dresses are more popular in winter, but they can also work in other seasons, especially for formal or regal-inspired weddings. Sleeveless and strapless dresses are versatile and can be worn in any season, with the former offering variations like short puff sleeves or spaghetti straps.
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Fabric weight
The weight of the fabric is an important consideration when choosing a wedding dress, as it will impact the overall look and feel of the gown. It is also a key factor in determining how comfortable the dress will be to wear, especially when combined with other textiles of varied weights.
Lighter fabrics such as chiffon, organza, dotted Swiss, tulle, charmeuse satin, crepe, and georgette are ideal for creating a delicate and ethereal look. They are often used in spring and summer weddings, as they are breathable and airy. These lightweight fabrics are perfect for adding volume and movement to a gown, without adding bulk. For example, tulle is a lightweight fabric that brings volume and whimsy, making it a popular choice for skirts and overlays. Similarly, organza is a lightweight fabric that can provide structure without adding bulk, making it ideal for layering.
On the other hand, heavier fabrics like satin, silk, brocade, wool crepe, Mikado, and velvet are better suited for cooler temperatures and more formal dress codes. They provide structure and a sense of opulence to the gown. Satin, for instance, is a popular choice for wedding dresses due to its smooth, glossy finish and heavier weight, which can enhance the overall look of any gown. Mikado, a blend of silk and synthetic fibres, is another heavier fabric that is ideal for structured gowns and cooler locations. The weight of the fabric can also be a factor in the durability of the dress, with heavier fabrics often being more durable than lighter ones.
When mixing fabrics of different weights, it is important to consider the overall balance of the gown. Combining a structured bodice made from a heavier fabric with a flowing skirt made from a lighter fabric can create a striking silhouette and enhance the bride's figure. Additionally, the weight of the fabric can impact the drape and flow of the gown, with lighter fabrics often having a more graceful drape.
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Comfort
First, consider the season and location of your wedding. If you're getting married outdoors in the summer, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as dotted Swiss or chiffon. Avoid heavy fabrics like satin, which can make you uncomfortable in the heat. On the other hand, if you're having a winter wedding, choose thicker fabrics that will keep you warm, such as dupioni or a heavier silk.
The weight and stretch of the fabric are also important factors. Fabrics with varied weights or stretches may require multiple fittings to ensure a proper fit, so be open to this process. A dress that fits well will not only look elegant but will also allow you to move freely and feel comfortable throughout the day.
If you have sensitive skin, pay attention to materials that may cause irritation. Avoid sheer or airy fabrics with little insulation unless you're in a sunny destination. Instead, opt for a thicker fabric that feels comfortable against your skin, such as crepe or Mikado silk, which offers a lightweight yet insulating option.
When it comes to style and silhouette, consider a design that reflects your personal taste and the formality of the occasion. A fitted top with a lighter, flowing skirt can provide a striking silhouette and enhance your figure. If you prefer a non-traditional look, a two-piece gown or a chic bridal pantsuit might be more comfortable and suited to your taste.
Finally, don't be afraid to consult a skilled wedding dress designer. They can provide invaluable insights on merging fabrics and suggest elements to create your dream bridal look, ensuring both style and comfort on your special day.
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Style
The style of a wedding dress is a highly personal choice, and there are many options to consider when it comes to creating the perfect look.
Firstly, it is important to consider the season in which the wedding is taking place. For a summer wedding, lightweight and breathable fabrics such as dotted Swiss or chiffon are ideal, while for a winter wedding, a heavier fabric such as satin or silk might be more suitable. The weight and type of fabric can also impact the silhouette of the dress, with some fabrics better suited for structured designs and others for flowing, light looks or larger-than-life ball gowns. For example, a structured satin bodice can be paired with a flowing chiffon skirt to create a striking silhouette.
The colour of the wedding dress is another important consideration. Traditional wedding dress colours include white, ivory, and champagne, but non-traditional brides may choose a coloured dress to make a statement. Black wedding gowns, for example, can be perfect for edgier brides who want to emphasise the details of their gown. Alternatively, a two-piece gown can be a great option for those who want to incorporate multiple colours or easily change their outfit throughout the night.
The level of formality of the wedding should also be considered when choosing a dress style. For a formal wedding, a more structured and elegant style might be preferred, while for a more casual or outdoor wedding, a softer and more whimsical style could be appropriate.
Finally, it is important to consider the bride's personal style and comfort. The fabric chosen should feel comfortable against the skin, especially for long celebrations, and any materials that may cause irritation should be avoided. Mixing and matching different fabrics can add depth, texture, and personality to the bridal ensemble, but it is important to consult a skilled wedding dress designer to ensure that the final outfit hangs beautifully and allows for freedom of movement.
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Silhouette
The silhouette of a wedding dress is its outline, and different silhouettes suit different body types. When choosing a wedding dress, it's important to consider what you want to highlight and what you'd rather not draw attention to.
Sheath
Sheath dresses have a straight-cut fit and zero waist seam, contouring the body from head to toe. This silhouette is excellent for tall, slim brides, and those with a boxy frame can add a sash or belt to define the waist.
A-line
A-line gowns are fitted at the bodice and flare out from the waist to the hem, forming an "A" shape. This universally flattering style suits all body types, especially pear-shaped, curvy, petite, and hourglass brides. It creates a slimming effect, making a petite bride look taller.
Ball gown
Ball gowns feature a fitted bodice and a voluminous skirt, creating an hourglass figure. This silhouette is ideal for brides who want to accentuate their waistline and not draw attention to their hips or lower tummy. It is also well-suited for tall brides as their elongated figure can handle a lot of volume without looking shortened. However, petite brides may want to avoid this silhouette as it can overpower a small frame.
Mermaid
Mermaid dresses fit snugly from the bodice to the knees before flaring out dramatically, highlighting the body's curves. This silhouette is perfect for brides who want to embrace their figure and showcase their feminine silhouette. It is a bold and confident style that draws attention to the waist, hips, and derriere.
Fit and flare
Fit and flare is a flattering silhouette that combines elements of the fitted sheath and the dramatic mermaid style. It works for many figures, including pear-shaped, hourglass, curvy, and athletic builds.
Jumpsuit
For a modern and stylish alternative to traditional wedding dresses, a jumpsuit is a chic choice. It is perfect for contemporary, casual, or city weddings, offering comfort, ease of movement, and style. This silhouette is ideal for rectangle and tall body shapes, elongating the body and creating a sleek, streamlined look.
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